Having spent the last 15 years with a chronic pain syndrome (RSI, Fibromyalgia & Arthritis), I have tried many things to help alleviate my symptoms but ultimately felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall as if I got any relief, it was very short-lived (believe me, I triedalmost anything, including being frozen to -110 oC three times a day!)

I would recommend that anyone try an AT lesson, whether it is to help with an existing problem or just to gain an awareness of how we use our bodies and how we can prevent damaging them. How I wish I’d tried it years ago and saved myself further pain and emotional distress.

As a classical singer I have found the Alexander Technique lessons very useful and that they compliment and enhance my singing teachers technique. Indeed I feel the Alexander Technique's emphasis on good posture maintained with relaxed muscles and mindful awareness of the whole body would improve any vocal technique, as poor posture and tense muscles restrict breathing and the vocal mechanism, limiting range and stamina.

Karmel Stannard March 2014

Allowing AT into my life has had many benefits, it's not only a joy to learn with like minded positive people but promotes well being and a healthier attitude towards everything you do, be that physical or emotional.

Justine Allen March 2014

About a year ago I developed a frozen shoulder whereby my left arm had restricted movement and was extremely painful to move more flexibly. I was led to believe that it could take well over a year to heal and yet with a combination of physiotherapy, exercises and Alexander Technique sessions, my arm regained full and painless mobility within three months. Throughout my recovery, the Alexander Technique helped me relax my shoulder particularly through the use of the semi-supine position which I practiced frequently at home and which, during sessions, gave a precise indication of my progress. Over the weeks, whilst lying on my back, my shoulders and back gradually expanded to lie flat on the floor / table as flexibility was restored. I continue to have Alexander sessions, I can exercise with no discomfort and my shoulders are more flexible than those of other people I know. Everyday activities such as sitting for long periods, walking, running, climbing stairs etc.. seem so much more effortless and relaxed since I took up the Alexander Technique.

Ken -Chelmsford March 2014

I tried the Alexander Technique more in hope than expectation of improving a very painful shoulder and an aching back. To my delight the back pain went after a few sessions and the shoulder pain has gone after a few more. The Alexander Technique has shown me ways of improving my posture and helped me to find ways of relaxing during a very stressful period of my life.

Robin Impey March 2014

Karen's experience of the Alexander Technique

About fifteen years ago, I developed a 'Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder' and subsequently Fibromyalgia & Rheumatoid Arthritis, resulting in impairment of function/mobility - particularly in the upper body, along with constant pain & weakness.

Over the years I have tried many things to help alleviate my symptoms but ultimately felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall as if I got any relief, it was very short-lived (believe me, I tried almost anything, including being frozen to -110 oC three times a day!)

However, last summer I was introduced to the Alexander Technique. I had been aware of it but had never actually had a lesson. It has been a revelation! Because of being in pain for so long, I now realise I am 'holding' myself up in a detrimental way. There is so much tension in my upper body but with my AT teacher’s help, I am beginning to recognise when these bad habits creep in and rectify them.

The beauty of the Alexander Technique is that it's not like going for a massage, where you feel relief afterwards but the effects don't last, it is a constantly evolving process. It is not a 'band aid', it's not fire-fighting, it's fire prevention! I NEVER feel any worse for applying AT, onły ever better, and what an incentive that is to keep it up in my daily life. I found it quite difficult at first to change my postural habits but it gets easier and easier week by week because I don't have to 'do' anything, simply 'undo' - a difficult concept for someone like myself to get to grips with initially but I do believe the penny is finally dropping and I am truly reaping the rewards.

I cannot tell you how different I feel, particularly after a lesson. I feel physically and emotionally lighter, less dragged down by the constant draining pain and as a consequence, I have more energy.

Driving used to be so painful to my neck, arms and spine. It is now so much easier. My sitting and walking tolerances have also greatly improved by applying the technique and I generally feel more energised.

I've never had results like this before & truly believe that the Alexander Technique is the way forward for me. I really am progressing in re-training my muscles and the way I use my rather battered body! I am now convinced that I can feel so much better, despite having many different treatments over the years with the diagnosis that the damage is irreparable. For the first time ever, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

I would recommend that anyone try an AT lesson, whether it is to help with an existing problem or just to gain an awareness of how we use our bodies and how we can prevent damaging them. How I wish I’d tried it years ago and saved myself further pain and emotional distress.